a bleeding purple utah jazz blog

Game 19 vs. POR: Win

The first half was a travesty in which the Jazz were getting their behinds handed to them by players *literally* twice their age. They were without two starters in Raja Bell and Al Jefferson, but still.

In the second half, Gordon Hayward shook off his ice-cold first half and got himself going. Enes Kanter was grabbing every ball in sight (even the one in Earl’s hands) and played great defense on LaMarcus Aldridge down the stretch. Paul Millsap was the Jazz’s best player once again with 19 and 15; Josh Howard was great; and Earl Watson was his magnificent, heart-and-soul-of-the-team self. Sometimes great play doesn’t show up in the box score. Tonight, it did. Earl’s line: 6 points (3-4), 5 rebounds, 4 assists (0 turnovers), 5 steals, and 2 blocks.

May Earl be a Jazzman for the rest of his career. Amen.

Quotage** Earl Watson, post-game: I always say belief is stronger than reality, but our belief is now becoming reality so we’re becoming more dangerous. (3)** Enes Kanter, post-game: Every time when I’m out there, I’m just so happy to be out there. Finally it happened. Finally I’m playing. Finally I have a jersey. (2)

Unintentional Dirty Quote Machines of the Night** Boler/Booner: They are very long up front. (H/T flibbidy)** Boler: The rookie from Turkey. He’s got a good touch, Booner. Booner: He’s got an excellent touch.** Boler: CJ finishes with the left hand!** Booner on Hayward: At least you’re getting there, even though you’re not finishing. Boler: I just walk in the shower, Booner. That’s what I do.** Boler: In and out, the tip won’t go.** Booner: Get the monkey off.** Booner on Millsap: Wham, he just takes off to the hole.** Booner: CJ had great position here, Craig. He doesn’t just try to strip, try to tie him up.** Enes Kanter, post-game: When I go in there, I just use my body.** Paul Millsap on Kanter: He takes up a lot of space down there. He’s real physical if you don’t mind banging down there. If you hit him, it’s gonna hurt.** Brian T. Smith: